There seem to be fewer birds around us right now. I’ve been told that the freeze last year was devastating to the bird population. While camping in Rusk we were surprised by the silence of the forest. We spent a long time walking in the woods looking and listening, but did not see or hear anything. Then we heard a bird. Eventually, we heard a Blue Jay’s distinctive cry and then saw him hiding among the leaves.
Later, back at camp, I saw a bird fly high in the trees. It had a peculiar flight path that indicated a woodpecker. It’s like a rising and falling sign wave. He was high in the tree moving quickly around the trunk. My camera was 100 yards away, so I dashed to get it. I returned and scanned the forest canopy only to be disappointed by the stillness.
Then from high over my left shoulder two large black birds skimmed the tops of the trees. I knew what they were instantly. It has been thirty five years since I have seen one. It was a Pilated Woodpecker. The last one I saw was while camping in Tyler State Park.
We were entertaining a couple who had never been camping and we were hoping they might join the tent movement. We went early, set the camp up and made out their beds. Everything was ready for them when they arrived. They were not converted. The next morning she slept in late, but the rest of us got up and went on a hike. The woodpecker was about 20 feet off the ground. He was huge, about the size of a cat.
I saw him first. I gathered the little group. Urged them to be quiet and said, “It's a rare treat.” They have made fun of me ever since. Last Saturday I saw one again and I contend that my original assessment was true. “It was a rare treat.” I chased the pair through the trees. They were very skittish. I only got two pictures, but I was filled. I was remembering my mother, she loved birds, my father, he love cameras, my friends, they hated camping but loved us. It was just about perfect.
What do you treasure? What is a rare treat to you? What are you missing? As thanksgiving approaches, look around for the blessings of life, the small moments, the rare instances when beauty is all around you and say, “Thanks.”